U.S. patent application number 17/445641 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-02 for mobile terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Dongjun CHOI, Hangseok KIM, Minchul SHIN.
Application Number | 20220173499 17/445641 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220173499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Hangseok ; et
al. |
June 2, 2022 |
MOBILE TERMINAL
Abstract
A mobile terminal including a first frame, and a second frame
capable of switching a state thereof to an extended state by moving
in a first direction from the first frame, and to a contracted
state by sliding in a second direction opposite to the first
direction, wherein the second frame includes a rear portion for at
least partially covering a rear surface of the first frame, wherein
the first frame includes a first rear surface exposed rearwardly in
the contracted state, a second rear surface located frontwardly of
the rear portion and not exposed to the outside in the contracted
state, wherein at least a portion of the second rear surface is
exposed rearwardly in the extended state, and a third rear surface
covered by the rear portion in the contracted state and in the
extended state.
Inventors: |
KIM; Hangseok; (Seoul,
KR) ; SHIN; Minchul; (Seoul, KR) ; CHOI;
Dongjun; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Appl. No.: |
17/445641 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2021 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 1/24 20060101
H01Q001/24; H01Q 1/38 20060101 H01Q001/38; H01Q 5/335 20060101
H01Q005/335 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 1, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0165924 |
Jan 29, 2021 |
KR |
PCT/KR2021/001247 |
Claims
1. A mobile terminal comprising: a first frame comprising a front
side and a rear side; and a second frame structured to couple with
the first frame to permit relative sliding movement of the first
frame and the second frame in first and second directions, wherein
the first frame and the second frame are positionable between an
extended state and a contracted state, wherein the second frame
includes a front side and a rear side, wherein the rear side of the
second frame is structured to cover at least a portion of the rear
side the first frame, wherein the rear side of the first frame
includes: a first rear surface being exposed to an outside
rearwardly while in the contracted state and while in the extended
state; a second rear surface facing the rear side of the second
frame while in the contracted state and not being exposed to the
outside while in the contracted state, and wherein at least a
portion of the second rear surface is exposed to the outside
rearwardly in the extended state; and a third rear surface covered
by the rear side of the second frame in both the contracted state
and in the extended state, and wherein respective heights of the
first rear surface, the second rear surface, and the third rear
surface, are different.
2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising: a display
including a fixed portion coupled to a front surface of the first
frame and a variable portion extending in the first direction from
the fixed portion and being bent toward the rear side of the second
frame, wherein the rear side of the second frame includes an
accommodating portion for accommodating a portion of the variable
portion bent toward the rear surface.
3. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein the rear side of the
second frame further includes a covering portion extending in the
second direction from the accommodating portion, wherein the
covering portion covers the second rear surface while in the
extended state and covers the third rear surface while in the
contracted state.
4. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the covering portion has
a thickness corresponding to a height difference between the first
rear surface and the second rear surface.
5. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the accommodating
portion has a thickness greater than a thickness of the covering
portion, so that the accommodating portion protrudes
frontwardly.
6. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the accommodating
portion includes a light-transmitting rear surface cover positioned
on a rear surface of the display, wherein the light-transmitting
rear surface cover is flush with the covering portion.
7. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein a length of the first
rear surface in the first direction is greater than a maximum
movement distance in the first direction of the second frame
relative to the first frame.
8. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the second frame
includes a side portion for at least partially covering a side
surface of the first frame, wherein the first frame includes: a
first side surface exposed to the outside while in the contracted
state; a second side surface located inwardly of the side portion
while in the contracted state and exposed to the outside while in
the extended state; and a third side surface located inwardly of
the side portion while in the contracted state and while in the
extended state, wherein respective heights of the first side
surface, the second side surface, and the third side surface, are
different.
9. The mobile terminal of claim 8, wherein the first side surface,
the second side surface, and the third side surface are disposed at
respectively same locations as the first rear surface, the second
rear surface, and the third rear surface.
10. The mobile terminal of claim 8, further comprising a linear
guide located between the third side surface and the side
portion.
11. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the linear guide
includes: a second guide located on the third side surface of the
first frame; and a first guide located in the side portion, wherein
the second guide is fastened to the first guide to permit movement
in the first direction and in the second direction.
12. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the side portion
includes a metallic antenna radiator, and wherein the mobile
terminal further includes an antenna substrate disposed overlapping
the first guide, wherein the antenna substrate includes a feeding
unit electrically connected to the antenna radiator.
13. The mobile terminal of claim 12, wherein the antenna substrate
protrudes laterally more than the first guide.
14. The mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the second guide
includes a bearing ball or a portion made of polyoxymethylene (POM)
in contact with the first guide.
15. The mobile terminal of claim 8, further comprising a guide
roller located between the third side surface and the side portion
of the second frame.
16. The mobile terminal of claim 8, further comprising a user input
unit located in the side portion of the second frame.
17. The mobile terminal of claim 8, further comprising a user input
unit positioned on the second side surface of the first frame while
in the extended state and positioned in the side portion of the
second frame while in the contracted state, wherein the user input
unit includes a force sensor located inwardly of the second side
surface of the first frame.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119, this application claims
the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean
Application No. 10-2020-0165924, filed on Dec. 1, 2020, and
International Application No. PCT/2021/001247, filed on Jan. 29,
2021, the contents of which are all incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal, and
more particularly, to a mobile terminal that has a flexible display
and is capable of extending a size of a screen while the display is
scrolled and slid at the same time.
Discussion of the Related Art
[0003] Terminals may be generally classified as mobile/portable
terminals or stationary terminals according to their mobility.
Mobile terminals may also be classified as handheld terminals or
vehicle mounted terminals according to whether or not a user can
directly carry the terminal.
[0004] Mobile terminals have become increasingly more functional.
Examples of such functions include data and voice communications,
capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing
music files via a speaker system, and displaying images and video
on a display. Some mobile terminals include additional
functionality which supports game playing, while other terminals
are configured as multimedia players. More recently, mobile
terminals have been configured to receive broadcast and multicast
signals which permit viewing of content such as videos and
television programs.
[0005] As such functions become more diversified, the mobile
terminal can support more complicated functions such as capturing
images or video, reproducing music or video files, playing games,
receiving broadcast signals, and the like. By comprehensively and
collectively implementing such functions, the mobile terminal may
be embodied in the form of a multimedia player or device.
[0006] Recently, a flexible display having sufficient elasticity
and capable of large deformation has been developed. The size of a
mobile terminal can be varied using the deformable nature of the
flexible display.
[0007] However, the mobile terminal with the variable size will
have a height difference at an outer surface thereof when being
extended. A hand may be caught in a place where the height
difference has occurred, and discomfort may occur when gripping the
mobile terminal resulted from the height difference, thereby
lowering usability.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure aims to provide a mobile terminal in
which switching of a state is made naturally as a slide movement of
a frame is stably performed without distortion.
[0009] Provided is a mobile terminal including a first frame, and a
second frame capable of switching a state thereof to an extended
state by moving in a first direction from the first frame, and to a
contracted state by sliding in a second direction opposite to the
first direction, wherein the second frame includes a rear portion
for at least partially covering a rear surface of the first frame,
wherein the first frame includes a first rear surface exposed
rearwardly in the contracted state, a second rear surface located
frontwardly of the rear portion and not exposed to the outside in
the contracted state, wherein at least a portion of the second rear
surface is exposed rearwardly in the extended state, and a third
rear surface covered by the rear portion in the contracted state
and in the extended state, wherein there is a height difference
between two of the first rear surface, the second rear surface, and
the third rear surface.
[0010] The mobile terminal may further include a display unit
including a fixed portion coupled to a front surface of the first
frame and a variable portion extending in the first direction from
the fixed portion to surround the second frame and bent toward the
rear surface of the second frame, and a portion rearwardly bent of
the variable portion may be disposed overlapping the third rear
surface.
[0011] The rear portion may further include an accommodating
portion in which the display unit located at a rear portion is
located, and a covering portion covering the second rear surface in
the extended state and covering the third rear surface in the
contracted state.
[0012] The covering portion may have a thickness corresponding to a
height difference between the first rear surface and the second
rear surface.
[0013] The accommodating portion may have a thickness greater than
a thickness of the covering portion, so that the accommodating
portion protrudes frontwardly.
[0014] A length in the first direction of the first rear surface
may be greater than a maximum movement distance in the first
direction of the second frame.
[0015] The second frame may include a side portion for at least
partially covering a side surface of the first frame, the first
frame may include a first side surface exposed to the outside in
the contracted state, a second side surface located inwardly of the
side portion in the contracted state and exposed to the outside in
the extended state, and a third side surface located inwardly of
the side portion in the contracted state and in the extended state,
and there may be a height difference between two of the first side
surface, the second side surface, and the third side surface.
[0016] The first side surface, the second side surface, and the
third side surface may be disposed at the same locations as the
first rear surface, the second rear surface, and the third rear
surface in the first direction, respectively.
[0017] The mobile terminal may further include a linear guide
located between the third side surface and the side portion.
[0018] The linear guide may include a second guide located on the
third side surface of the first frame, and a first guide located in
the side portion, wherein the second guide is fastened to the first
guide and moves in the first direction or in the second
direction.
[0019] The side portion may include a metallic antenna radiator,
and the mobile terminal may further include an antenna substrate
disposed overlapping the first guide, wherein the antenna substrate
includes a feeding unit electrically connected to the antenna
radiator.
[0020] The antenna substrate may protrude laterally more than the
first guide.
[0021] The second guide may include a bearing ball or a portion
made of polyoxymethylene (POM) in contact with the first guide.
[0022] The mobile terminal may further include a guide roller
located between the third side surface and the side portion.
[0023] The mobile terminal may further include a user input unit
located in the side portion of the second frame.
[0024] The mobile terminal may further include a user input unit
positioned on the second side surface of the first frame in the
extended state and positioned in the side portion of the second
frame in the contracted state, and the user input unit may include
a force sensor located inwardly of the second side surface of the
first frame.
[0025] The mobile terminal of the present disclosure may adjust the
size of the screen as needed, so that both portability and
usability may be achieved.
[0026] In addition, the mobile terminal of the present disclosure
may increase usability in the extended state by minimizing the
height difference at the outer surface of the mobile terminal that
occurs when the mobile terminal is extended.
[0027] In addition, the distortion may be prevented during the
slide movement, so that the stable slide movement may be achieved
and the volume increase by the linear guide may be minimized.
[0028] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by illustration only, since various changes
and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings, which are given by illustration only, and thus are not
limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance
with the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first state and a second state
of a mobile terminal;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a rear view illustrating a first state and a
second state of a mobile terminal;
[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views according to an
embodiment of a mobile terminal;
[0034] FIG. 6 shows cross-sectional views taken along a line A-A
and a line B-B in FIG. 3;
[0035] FIG. 7 shows rear views of a first state and a second state
according to an embodiment of a mobile terminal;
[0036] FIG. 8 shows cross-sectional views taken along a line D-D
and a line E-E in FIG. 7;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a view showing parts mounted inside a mobile
terminal of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a C-C in FIG.
2;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing locations of first
to third side surfaces, a side portion, and a linear guide of a
mobile terminal;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F-F in
FIG. 7;
[0041] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing an antenna
substrate and a first guide according to an embodiment of a mobile
terminal;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which a side portion
is separated according to an embodiment of a mobile terminal;
and
[0043] FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams showing a user input unit
according to an embodiment of a mobile terminal.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Description will now be given in detail according to
exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with
reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be
provided with the same reference numbers, and description thereof
will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such as "module" and
"unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such
a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the
specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any
special meaning or function. In the present disclosure, that which
is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has
generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying
drawings are used to help easily understand various technical
features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented
herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the
present disclosure should be construed to extend to any
alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which
are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.
[0045] It will be understood that although the terms first, second,
etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these
elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are
generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
[0046] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "connected with" another element, the element can be directly
connected with the other element or intervening elements may also
be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening
elements present.
[0047] A singular representation may include a plural
representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning
from the context.
[0048] Terms such as "include" or "has" are used herein and should
be understood that they are intended to indicate an existence of
several components, functions or steps, disclosed in the
specification, and it is also understood that greater or fewer
components, functions, or steps may likewise be utilized.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance
with the present disclosure. The mobile terminal 100 is shown
having components such as a wireless communication unit 110, an
input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an
interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and a power
supply unit 190. Referring now to FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100
is shown having wireless communication unit 110 configured with
several commonly implemented components. It is understood that
implementing all of the illustrated components is not a
requirement, and that greater or fewer components may alternatively
be implemented.
[0050] More specifically, the wireless communication unit 110
typically includes one or more modules which permit communications
such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and
a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile
terminal 100 and another mobile terminal, communications between
the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. Further, the
wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or more
modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or more
networks.
[0051] To facilitate such communications, the wireless
communication unit 110 includes one or more of a broadcast
receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless
Internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114, and a
location information module 115.
[0052] Regarding the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast
receiving module 111 is typically configured to receive a broadcast
signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external
broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast
channel may include a satellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or
both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcast receiving modules
111 may be utilized to facilitate simultaneously receiving of two
or more broadcast channels, or to support switching among broadcast
channels.
[0053] The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or
receive wireless signals to and from one or more network entities.
Typical examples of a network entity include a base station, an
external mobile terminal, a server, and the like. Such network
entities form part of a mobile communication network, which is
constructed according to technical standards or communication
methods for mobile communications (for example, Global System for
Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA),
CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO (Enhanced
Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA
(WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High
Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long
Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like).
[0054] Examples of wireless signals transmitted and/or received via
the mobile communication module 112 include audio call signals,
video (telephony) call signals, or various formats of data to
support communication of text and multimedia messages.
[0055] The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate
wireless Internet access. This module may be internally or
externally coupled to the mobile terminal 100. The wireless
Internet module 113 may transmit and/or receive wireless signals
via communication networks according to wireless Internet
technologies.
[0056] Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless
LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living
Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink
Packet Access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access),
Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced),
and the like. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmit/receive
data according to one or more of such wireless Internet
technologies, and other Internet technologies as well.
[0057] In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is
implemented according to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA,HSUPA, GSM,
CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile
communication network, the wireless Internet module 113 performs
such wireless Internet access. As such, the Internet module 113 may
cooperate with, or function as, the mobile communication module
112.
[0058] The short-range communication module 114 is configured to
facilitate short-range communications. Suitable technologies for
implementing such short-range communications include BLUETOOTH.TM.,
Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association
(IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication
(NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless
USB(Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like. The short-range
communication module 114 in general supports wireless
communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless
communication system, communications between the mobile terminal
100 and another mobile terminal 100, or communications between the
mobile terminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or
an external server) is located, via wireless area networks. One
example of the wireless area networks is a wireless personal area
networks.
[0059] The location information module 115 is generally configured
to detect, calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of
the mobile terminal. As an example, the location information module
115 includes a Global Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module,
or both. If desired, the location information module 115 may
alternatively or additionally function with any of the other
modules of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data
related to the position of the mobile terminal. As one example,
when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, a position of the
mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPS
satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the
Wi-Fi module, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquired
based on information related to a wireless access point (AP) which
transmits or receives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi
module.
[0060] The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining
images or video, a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input
device for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit 123
(for example, a touch key, a push key, a mechanical key, a soft
key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information. Data
(for example, audio, video, image, and the like) is obtained by the
input unit 120 and may be analyzed and processed by controller 180
according to device parameters, user commands, and combinations
thereof
[0061] Such cameras 121 may process image frames of still pictures
or video obtained by image sensors in a video or image capture
mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display
unit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121
may be arranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of
images having various angles or focal points to be input to the
mobile terminal 100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be
located in a stereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right
images for implementing a stereoscopic image.
[0062] The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio
input to the mobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed
in various manners according to a function being executed in the
mobile terminal 100. If desired, the microphone 122 may include
assorted noise removing algorithms to remove unwanted noise
generated in the course of receiving the external audio.
[0063] The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by
a user. Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control
operation of the mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may
include one or more of a mechanical input element (for example, a
key, a button located on a front and/or rear surface or a side
surface of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a
jog switch, and the like), or a touch-sensitive input, among
others. As one example, the touch-sensitive input may be a virtual
key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touch screen through
software processing, or a touch key which is located on the mobile
terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen. On the
other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed on
the touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text,
icon, video, or a combination thereof
[0064] The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or
more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile
terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user
information, and the like. For example, the sensing unit 140 may
alternatively or additionally include other types of sensors or
devices, such as a proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor
142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a
G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an
infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an
optical sensor (for example, camera 121), a microphone 122, a
battery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, a
hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermal
sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (for
example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric
sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal 100 may
be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit
140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more
sensors of the sensing unit 140, and combinations thereof
[0065] The output unit 150 is typically configured to output
various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output,
and the like. The output unit 150 is shown having a display unit
151, an audio output module 152, a haptic module 153, and an
optical output module 154. The display unit 151 may have an
inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch
sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. The touch screen may
provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and a
user, as well as function as the user input unit 123 which provides
an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the
user.
[0066] The audio output module 152 is generally configured to
output audio data. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a
number of different sources, such that the audio data may be
received from the wireless communication unit 110 or may have been
stored in the memory 170. The audio data may be output during modes
such as a signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a
voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like.
The audio output module 152 can provide audible output related to a
particular function (e.g., a call signal reception sound, a message
reception sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal 100. The
audio output module 152 may also be implemented as a receiver, a
speaker, a buzzer, or the like.
[0067] A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various
tactile effects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise
experience. A typical example of a tactile effect generated by the
haptic module 153 is vibration. The strength, pattern and the like
of the vibration generated by the haptic module 153 can be
controlled by user selection or setting by the controller. For
example, the haptic module 153 may output different vibrations in a
combining manner or a sequential manner.
[0068] An optical output module 154 can output a signal for
indicating an event generation using light of a light source.
Examples of events generated in the mobile terminal 100 may include
message reception, call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm,
a schedule notice, an email reception, information reception
through an application, and the like.
[0069] The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various
types of external devices that can be coupled to the mobile
terminal 100. The interface unit 160, for example, may include any
of wired or wireless ports, external power supply ports, wired or
wireless data ports, memory card ports, ports for connecting a
device having an identification module, audio input/output (I/O)
ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports, and the like. In some
cases, the mobile terminal 100 may perform assorted control
functions associated with a connected external device, in response
to the external device being connected to the interface unit
160.
[0070] The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to
support various functions or features of the mobile terminal 100.
For instance, the memory 170 may be configured to store application
programs executed in the mobile terminal 100, data or instructions
for operations of the mobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of
these application programs may be downloaded from an external
server via wireless communication. Other application programs may
be installed within the mobile terminal 100 at time of
manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the case for basic
functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving a
call, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and
the like). It is common for application programs to be stored in
the memory 170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed
by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the
mobile terminal 100.
[0071] The controller 180 typically functions to control overall
operation of the mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations
associated with the application programs. The controller 180 may
provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user
by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are
input or output, or activating application programs stored in the
memory 170.
[0072] To drive the application programs stored in the memory 170,
the controller 180 may be implemented to control a predetermined
number of the components mentioned above in reference with FIG. 1.
Moreover, the controller 180 may be implemented to combinedly
operate two or more of the components provided in the mobile
terminal 100 to drive the application programs.
[0073] The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive
external power or provide internal power in order to supply
appropriate power required for operating elements and components
included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 may
include a battery, and the battery may be configured to be embedded
in the terminal body, or configured to be detachable from the
terminal body.
[0074] Some or more of the components may be operated cooperatively
to embody an operation, control or a control method of the mobile
terminal in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
Also, the operation, control or control method of the mobile
terminal may be realized on the mobile terminal by driving of one
or more application problems stored in the memory 170.
[0075] FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the mobile terminal 100
that may be varied in size, FIG. 2 is a front view of a first state
and a second state of the mobile terminal 100, and FIG. 3 is a rear
view illustrating the first state and the second state of the
mobile terminal 100.
[0076] The mobile terminal 100 includes frames 101 and 102 that
slide such that the size of the mobile terminal 100 may be changed.
A first frame 101 and a second frame 102 that slides relative to
the first frame 101 are included. When the second frame 102 moves
in a first direction D1, a state of the mobile terminal 100 is
switched to an extended state (a second state). In addition, when
the second frame 102 moves in a second direction opposite to the
first direction, the state of the mobile terminal 100 is switched
to a contracted state (a first state). When the second frame 102 of
the mobile terminal 100 moves in the first direction, because a
user is holding a lower portion of the mobile terminal 100, that
is, the second frame 102, it may be seen from a user's point of
view that the mobile terminal is extended while the first frame 101
moves in an upward direction (the second direction).
[0077] That is, the movement of the second frame 102 in the first
direction with respect to the first frame 101 has the same meaning
as the movement of the first frame 101 in the second direction with
respect to the second frame 102, and means that the state of the
mobile terminal is switched to the extended state. Conversely, the
movement of the second frame 102 in the second direction with
respect to the first frame 101 has the same meaning as the movement
of the first frame 101 in the first direction with respect to the
second frame 102, and means that the state of the mobile terminal
is switched to the contracted state.
[0078] In the following description, the direction in which the
mobile terminal 100 and the display unit 151 thereof are extended
or enlarged is defined as a first direction , and the direction in
which the mobile terminal contracts or retracts or is reduced to
switch from the second state to the first state is defined as a
second direction. A direction perpendicular to the first and second
directions is defined as a third direction. Description will be
made on the assumption that the first and second directions are
horizontal directions and the third direction is a vertical
direction. However, depending on the arrangement of the mobile
terminal 100, the first and second directions may be vertical
directions and the third direction may be a horizontal
direction.
[0079] (a) in FIG. 2 and (a) in FIG. 3 show the first state that is
the contracted state, and (b) in FIG. 2 and (b) in FIG. 3 show the
second state that is the extended state. Even in the extended state
switched as the second frame 102 moves in the first direction, the
first frame 101 and the second frame 102 have an overlapping
portion.
[0080] In the first state, one of the first frame 101 and the
second frame 102 may be disposed to surround the other and be
disposed outward of the other. The first frame 101 may be disposed
outward of the second frame 102 in some embodiments, and the second
frame 102 may be disposed outward of the first frame 101 in some
embodiments.
[0081] As shown in (b) in FIG. 3, as for a rear surface of the
mobile terminal, a portion 1012b of the rear surface that was
inside in the first state of the first frame 101 is exposed to the
outside in the second state. The display unit 151 may be disposed
to cover a front surface of the mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 2.
As shown in (b) in FIG. 2, even in the extended second state, an
extended portion is also covered by the display unit 151 to prevent
a portion inside the mobile terminal from being exposed at the time
of the extension.
[0082] An area of the display unit 151 on the front surface of the
mobile terminal may vary depending on whether the frames of the
mobile terminal are extended. The display unit 151 has a larger
size than the frames in the first state, and includes a variable
portion that may be positioned on the front surface or the rear
surface of the mobile terminal depending on whether the frames are
extended.
[0083] As such, a flexible display unit 151 which is bendable may
be used as the display unit such that the position of the display
unit may move to front side or rear side. The flexible display unit
151 may be a display unit capable of maintaining a flat state like
a conventional flat panel display and capable of warping, bending,
folding, twisting, or rolling like paper. The flexible display unit
151 refers to a display which is manufactured on a thin and
flexible substrate and is thus lightweight and robust as not to be
easily broken. The flexible display unit according the present
disclosure may be bent in a specific direction, and may be arranged
such that the curvature thereof may change in the first
direction.
[0084] In addition, an electronic paper is a display technology to
which properties of general ink are applied. The electronic paper
may be different from the conventional flat panel display in using
reflected light. The electronic paper may change information using
a twisted ball or electrophoresis using a capsule.
[0085] In a state in which the flexible display unit 151 is not
deformed (e.g., a state of having an infinite curvature radius,
hereinafter referred to as a basic state), a display area of the
flexible display unit 151 becomes flat. In a state in which the
flexible display unit 151 is deformed by an external force from the
basic state (e.g., a state of having a finite radius of curvature,
hereinafter referred to as a deformed state), the display area may
become a curved face. As shown, information displayed in the
deformation state may be visual information output on the curved
face. Such visual information is implemented by independently
controlling light emission of sub-pixels arranged in a matrix. The
sub-pixel refers to a minimum unit for implementing one color. When
external force is applied to the flexible display unit 151, the
flexible display unit 151 may be deformed to switch from the
default state, which is the flat state, to a bent state, which is
not the flat state.
[0086] The flexible display unit 151 may be combined with a touch
sensor to implement a flexible touch screen. When a touch is made
on the flexible touch screen, the controller 180 (see FIG. 1) may
perform control corresponding to such touch input. The flexible
touch screen may be configured to detect the touch input in the
deformed state as well as in the basic state.
[0087] The touch sensor detects the touch (or touch input) applied
on the touch screen using at least one of various touch schemes
such as a resistive film scheme, a capacitance scheme, an infrared
scheme, an ultrasonic wave scheme, a magnetic field scheme, and the
like.
[0088] As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert
a change in pressure applied on a specific portion of the touch
screen, capacitance generated at the specific portion, or the like
into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured
such that a touch object applying a touch on the touch screen may
detect touched position and area on the touch sensor, a pressure
during the touch, a capacitance during the touch, and the like.
[0089] Further, the mobile terminal 100 may have a deformation
detection means for detecting the deformation of the flexible
display unit 151. Such deformation detection means may be included
in the sensing unit 140 (see FIG. 1).
[0090] The deformation detection means may be disposed in the
flexible display unit 151 or a case (first to second frames 101 to
102 to be described later) to detect information related to the
deformation of the flexible display unit 151. In this connection,
the information related to the deformation may include a direction
in which the flexible display unit 151 is deformed, a degree of the
deformation, a deformed position, a deformed time, an acceleration
at which the deformed flexible display unit 151 is restored, and
the like. In addition, the information related to the deformation
may include various kinds of information that may be detected due
to the bending of the flexible display unit 151.
[0091] In addition, the controller 180 may change information
displayed on the flexible display unit 151 or generate a control
signal for controlling a function of the mobile terminal 100 based
on the information related to the deformation of the flexible
display unit 151 detected by the deformation detection means.
[0092] The deformation of the flexible display unit 151 may vary
depending on the positions of the first frame 101 and the second
frame 102. As shown in FIG. 2, since the bending position on the
flexible display unit 151 is determined according to the positions
of the first frame and the second frame, the bending deformation
position of the flexible display unit 151 and the area thereof
positioned on the front may be calculated based on the positions of
the first frame 101 and the first frame 102 in place of the
deformation detection means of the flexible display unit 151.
[0093] The state conversion (first or second state) of the flexible
display unit 151, i.e., the size change at the front and rear faces
of the mobile terminal 100 of the display unit 151 based on the
size change of the mobile terminal 100 may be performed manually by
a force applied by the user, but may be not limited to such manual
scheme. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 or the flexible
display unit 151 is in the first state, the mobile terminal 100 or
the flexible display unit 151 may be converted into the second
state by the user or an application command without the external
force applied by the user. As such, in order for the flexible
display unit 151 to be automatically deformed without the external
force, the mobile terminal 100 may include a driving unit 200,
which will be described later.
[0094] The flexible display unit 151 of the present disclosure is
bent 180 degrees by rolling around a side portion of the mobile
terminal 100 facing in the first direction. Accordingly, based on
the side portion of the mobile terminal 100, a part of the flexible
display unit 151 is disposed on the front of the mobile terminal
100, and the other part of the flexible display unit 151 is
disposed on the rear of the mobile terminal 100. For simplicity,
the part of the flexible display unit 151 positioned on the front
is called a front face, and the other part of the flexible display
unit 151 positioned on the rear is called a rear face. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal may extend in the first
direction or contract in the second direction opposite to the first
direction. In this case, the area of the flexible display unit 151
positioned on the front changes. That is, the sizes of the front
face and the rear face may be changed according to a change in the
state of the mobile terminal.
[0095] The part of the flexible display unit 151 positioned on the
front of the mobile terminal 100 may be immovably fixed to the
front surface of the first frame 101, and the other part thereof
positioned on the rear of the mobile terminal 100 may be movably
arranged on the rear of the mobile terminal 100.
[0096] In addition, the flexible display unit 151 may be rolled on
or released at the side portion in the first direction of mobile
terminal. Accordingly, the rear face of the display unit 151 moves,
so that the size of the front face of the display unit 151 may be
adjusted. Since the size of the flexible display unit 151 is
determined and the flexible display unit 151 is formed of one
continuous body, an area of rear face of the display unit 151
decreases as an area of the front face of the display unit 151
increases. Such a display unit 151 may be rolled in a second frame
102, which is movable relative to a first frame 101 to be described
later, more correctly, on one of sides of the second frame 102. The
display unit 151 may be withdrawn or pulled out from or inserted or
pushed into the second frame 102 while being rolled in the second
frame 102 along a moving direction of the second frame 102 to
adjust the area of the display unit 151 on the front face of the
mobile terminal 100.
[0097] In addition, the display unit 151 may be bent 180 degrees
while forming a curved surface in the second frame 102 so as to be
disposed on both the front surface and the rear surface of the
mobile terminal 100. For such an arrangement of the display unit
151, the second frame 102 may include a roller rotatably disposed
therein. The roller may be disposed at any position inside the
second frame 102.
[0098] However, the display unit 151 has to be spread flat on the
front surface and the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 in
order to provide the user with a good quality screen. For such
spreading, an appropriate tension must be provided to the display
unit 151. To provide appropriate tension, the roller may be placed
at an end in the first direction of the second frame 102. Such
roller may extend in the second direction and may be rotatably
coupled to the second frame 102.
[0099] The display unit 151 may be wound on the roller while being
gently curved with a predetermined curvature. The flexible display
unit 151 may include a first surface that outputs an image thereon
and is exposed to the outside, and an inner surface facing toward
the frame opposite to the first surface. The roller may be
installed to freely rotate in the second frame 102 while in contact
with the inner surface of the display unit 151. Accordingly, the
roller may actually move the display unit 151 in a lateral
direction of the mobile terminal 100, that is, in a direction
perpendicular to a longitudinal direction. As will be described
later, when the second frame 102 slides, by the tension applied by
the second frame 102, the display unit 151 may move to the front
surface or the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 relative to
the second frame 102 in different directions (i.e., the first
direction D1 or the second direction D2). The roller may guide such
movement while rotating.
[0100] In addition, the roller may be disposed adjacent to the end
in the first direction of the second frame 102, and a side frame
disposed at the end in the first direction of the second frame 102
may be included to prevent damage to the display unit 151 wound on
the roller.
[0101] While extending and contracting in the first and second
directions D1 and D2, the second frame 102 may overlap the first
frame 101, precisely a first front portion 1011 and a first rear
portion 1012 of the first frame 101 so as not to interfere with the
first frame 101. More specifically, the display unit 151 may be
coupled and supported by the first front portion 1011 of the first
frame 101 as described above, and thus, there is no need to be
additionally supported by a second front portion of the second
frame 102. Rather, when the second front portion is interposed
between the first front portion 1011 and the display unit 151, the
display unit 151 may be deformed or damaged by friction with the
repeatedly moving second front portion.
[0102] Accordingly, the second front portion may be disposed below
the first front portion 1011 or may be inserted between two sheets
of the first front portion 1011. A second rear portion 1022 of the
second frame 102 may be disposed to face a rear surface of the
first rear portion 1012 of the first frame 101. That is, a front
surface of the second rear portion 1022 may face the rear surface
of the first rear portion 1012. In addition, in order to stably
support the movement of the second frame 102, the rear surface of
the first rear portion 1012 may be in contact with the front
surface of the second rear portion 1022. By such arrangement, the
second rear portion 1022 may be exposed to the outside of the first
frame, more precisely, of the first rear portion 1012, and may be
coupled to the display unit 151.
[0103] In addition, the second frame 102 may extend and reduce the
size of the mobile terminal 100 itself, particularly the front
surface of the mobile terminal 100, by the extension and the
contraction in the first and second directions D1 and D2. The
display unit 151 has to move as much as the extended or reduced
front surface in order to switch the state thereof to the intended
first and second states. However, when fixed to the second frame
102, the display unit 151 is not able to be moved smoothly to fit
the front surface of the mobile terminal 100 to be extended or
reduced. For this reason, the display unit 151 may be movably
coupled to the second frame 102.
[0104] Typically, an antenna is disposed in the case or the housing
of the mobile terminal 100, but a portion where the antenna is
installed in the case or the housing may be limited because of the
flexible display unit 151 that covers not only the front face of
the mobile terminal 100 but also the rear face thereof. For this
reason, the antenna may be implemented on the flexible display unit
151. An antenna on display (AOD) is an antenna in which a
transparent film is formed by stacking an electrode layer and a
dielectric layer that have patterns engraved thereon, respectively.
The antenna on display may be implemented thinner than an antenna
implemented using a laser direct structuring (LDS) technology using
a conventional copper nickel plating scheme, so that the antenna on
display may not be exposed to the outside without affecting a
thickness. In addition, the antenna on display may transmit and
receive a signal directly to or from the display unit 151.
Accordingly, the antenna on display may be used in the mobile
terminal 100 in which the display unit 151 is located on the both
faces of the mobile terminal 100 as in the present disclosure.
[0105] The flexible display unit 151 located on the rear surface
may be disposed to be exposed to the outside, but there may be a
risk of damage when an end of the display unit 151 is exposed to
the outside. In addition, when the state of the mobile terminal 100
is switched to the second state, the second rear portion 1022 of
the second frame covered by the display unit 151 may be exposed to
expose a structure that guides the slide movement of the display
unit 151. In order to avoid such problem, as shown in FIG. 3, a
rear surface cover 1025 may be further included at the rear of the
second frame 102 on which the display unit 151 is located.
[0106] The rear surface cover 1025 may be made of an opaque
material. When the rear surface cover 1025 is transparent,
information may be provided to the user by utilizing the display
unit 151 located on the rear surface in the first state. For
example, when the user takes a picture in a direction of the user
with a camera located on the rear surface of the mobile terminal, a
preview image of the camera may be viewed through the display unit
151 located on the rear surface. Alternatively, when the mobile
terminal is placed with the rear surface facing upward, an alarm or
the like may be provided through the display unit 151 located on
the rear surface.
[0107] However, when the display unit 151 moves in the second
state, an inner portion of the mobile terminal may be seen. Thus,
the display unit 151 may be mirror-coated such that the inner
portion of the mobile terminal is visible only in an ON state, that
is, in a case in which light is emitted from the inside.
[0108] FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of the mobile
terminal in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded
perspective view of the mobile terminal as viewed from the front
side, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile
terminal as viewed from the rear side.
[0109] The mobile terminal 100 of the present disclosure includes
frames 101 and 102 in which components are mounted, and the frames
101 and 102 of the present disclosure may vary in size in the first
direction as shown in FIG. 2. One or more frames 101 and 102 move
relative to each other, and sizes thereof may vary in the first
direction. Electronic components are mounted in the frames 101 and
102, and the flexible display unit 151 is located out of the frames
101 and 102.
[0110] Since the mobile terminal 100 of the present disclosure
includes the flexible display unit 151, the flexible display unit
151 may be combined in a form surrounding front faces and rear
faces of the frames 101 and 102. The frame may include the first
frame 101 and the second frame 102 moving in the first direction
with respect to the first frame 101. The first frame 101 and the
second frame 102 include front portions, a rear portions, and side
portions, respectively, and are coupled to each other.
[0111] First, the first frame 101 may correspond to a main body of
the mobile terminal 100, and may define a space for accommodating
therein various parts between the first front portion 1011 and the
first rear portion 1012. In addition, the first frame 101 may
accommodate the second frame 102 movably coupled to the first frame
101 in such a space. More specifically, the first frame 101 may
include the first front portion 1011 disposed at a front portion of
the mobile terminal 100 to support a front surface of the display
unit 151, and the first rear portion 1012 disposed on a rear
surface of the mobile terminal and equipped with various parts.
[0112] Such first front portion 1011 and first rear portion 1012
may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined spacing to
defined the predetermined space therebetween, and may be connected
to each other by a first side portion 1013. The first side portion
1013 may be formed integrally with the first rear portion 1012 or
the first front portion 1011. The camera 121, the audio output
module 152, an input/output terminal, the controller 180, and the
power supply unit 190 may be accommodated in the space within the
first frame 101 as the parts of the mobile terminal 100. For
example, the controller 180 may be a circuit board 181 including a
processor and an electronic circuit for controlling an operation of
the mobile terminal, and the power supply unit 190 may be a battery
and related parts. In addition, the driving unit 200 for
controlling the slide movement of the second frame 102 to be
described later may be accommodated in the first frame 101.
[0113] As described above, the display unit 151 has the continuous
body, and thus, may be disposed on both the front face and the rear
face of the mobile terminal 100 while being rolled in the mobile
terminal 100. The display unit 151 may include the front face
positioned at the front face of the mobile terminal 100, the rear
face positioned at the rear face of the mobile terminal 100, and
the side face positioned between the front face and the rear face
thereof and surrounding the side face of the mobile terminal. The
front face and the rear face of the display unit 151 are flat, and
the side face of the display unit 151 may form a curved face. The
flexible display unit 151 may be damaged when being bent at an
angle. Thus, the flexible display unit 151 may be formed to be bent
with a predetermined curvature at the side face.
[0114] The display unit 151 may be divided into a fixed portion and
a variable portion. The fixed portion means a portion fixed to the
frame. Because of being fixed to the frame, the fixed portion
maintains a constant shape without changing a bending degree. On
the other hand, the variable portion means a portion in which a
bending angle or a position of the bent portion changes. The
variable portion in which the position or bending angle of the bent
portion changes requires a structure for supporting a rear face of
the variable portion in response to the change.
[0115] The fixed portion is coupled to the first frame of the
display unit and is always positioned on the front face portion of
the display unit to form a portion of the front face portion of the
display unit. The variable portion includes a side face located at
a side portion of the mobile terminal, and a position of the side
face varies depending on the position of the second frame. Based on
a side face, an area of a portion disposed on the front face
portion of the display unit and an area of a portion disposed on
the rear face portion of the display unit vary. That is, a portion
of the variable portion may be the front face and another portion
of the variable portion may be the rear face based on the first and
second states. The variable portion is positioned in the first
direction with respect to the fixed portion relative to the mobile
terminal, and an end of the variable portion is bent toward the
rear face of the mobile terminal and slides on the rear face of the
second frame 102.
[0116] A slide frame that guides the slide movement on a rear
surface of the second frame is coupled to an end of the variable
portion of the display unit. The slide frame moves in the first
direction on the second frame at the same time when the second
frame moves in the first direction. As a result, a moving distance
of the slide frame is twice as a moving distance of the second
frame with respect to the first frame. In one example, as well
shown in FIG. 3, the first rear portion 1012 of the mobile terminal
100 may include a first rear surface exposed to the outside without
being covered by the display unit 151 even in the first state. The
physical input unit 120, such as various buttons, switches, the
camera 121, and a flash, for manipulation of the mobile terminal
100, and the sensing unit 140, such as the proximity sensor 141 or
a fingerprint sensor, may be disposed on the first rear surface.
The first rear portion 1012 excluding a first rear surface 1012a
may be covered by the display unit 151 in the first state as shown
in (a) in FIG. 3, and may be exposed in a rearward direction in the
second state as shown in (b) in FIG. 3.
[0117] In a typical bar-type terminal, the display unit is disposed
only on the front surface of the terminal. Therefore, a main camera
is disposed on the rear surface of the terminal in order for the
user to photograph an object on an opposite side while looking the
object through the display unit 151. In one example, an additional
auxiliary camera is required on a front surface of the terminal in
order for the user to take a picture of himself/herself while
looking himself/herself through the display unit.
[0118] However, in the mobile terminal 100 of the present
disclosure, the display unit 151 is located on both the front
surface and the rear surface of the mobile terminal 100. Therefore,
when the user takes the picture of himself/herself, a display unit
on the same side as the camera 121, that is, a rear surface of the
display unit 151 may be used. In addition, when the user
photographs the object on the opposite side of the user, a front
surface of the display unit 151 on a side opposite to the camera
121 may be used. For this reason, the mobile terminal 100 may
photograph the object located on the opposite side of the user or
photograph the user using one camera 121. The camera may include a
plurality of cameras having different angles of view, such as a
wide angle, a super wide angle, a telephoto, and the like. The
proximity sensor, the audio output module, and the like may be
located on the first rear surface 1012a in addition to the camera,
and an antenna 116 may be installed on the first rear surface
1012a. An exposed decoration may be attached to the first rear
surface 1012a to protect the camera, the sensing unit, and the like
in consideration of an exterior design. A portion of the exposed
decoration corresponding to the camera 121, the sensing unit 140,
and the like may be transparent, and the remaining portion thereof
may have a predetermined pattern or color in consideration of the
design so as not to expose the internal parts.
[0119] The first side portion 1013 may extend along edges of the
first front portion 1011 and the first rear portion 1012 to
surround a perimeter in the lateral direction of the first frame
101, may form an appearance of the mobile terminal 100. However, as
mentioned above, because the second frame 102 is accommodated in
the first frame 101 and is also movably coupled thereto, in order
to allow the relative movement of the second frame 102 with respect
to the first frame 101, a portion of the first frame 101 needs to
be opened. As well shown in FIG. 2, as an example, the second frame
102 is coupled to the first frame 101 to be movable in the first
direction, so that the first side portion 1013 is not formed on a
side surface in the first direction of the first frame 101, thereby
opening the side surface in the first direction of the first frame
101. Because the first side portion 1013 is exposed to the outside
of the mobile terminal 100, the interface unit 160 for connecting a
power port or an ear jack, the user input unit 120 such as a volume
button, or the like may be disposed. When the first side portion
1013 contains a metal material, the first side portion 1013 may
serve as an antenna. The second frame 102 may include a second
front portion (not shown) disposed at the front portion of the
mobile terminal 100 and a second rear portion 1022 disposed on the
rear surface of the mobile terminal 100. Like the first front
portion 1011 and the first rear portion 1012 of the first frame
101, the second front portion and the second rear portion 1022 may
be formed of a substantially flat plate-shaped member. In addition,
the second frame 102 also accommodates various parts therein, and
should not interfere with the parts accommodated in the first frame
101 during the movement. Accordingly, the second front portion and
the second rear portion 1022 may be coupled in a state spaced apart
from each other to define a predetermined space therebetween, and
may have shapes for not interfering with the parts in the first
frame 101.
[0120] A second side portion 1023 that forms a side surface of the
second frame 102 may be included. The first side portion 1013 may
be formed long and the second side portion 1023 of the second frame
102 may be located inward of the first side portion 1013 such that
only the first side portion 1013 is exposed to the outside in the
first state. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
2 and 3, the first side portion 1013 of the first frame 101 may be
formed to include a first side surface 1013a, which is a portion
disposed side by side with the first rear surface 1012a and exposed
to the outside, and a second side surface 1013b that is selectively
exposed.
[0121] In the first state, the first side portion 1013 and the
second side portion 1023 may together constitute side portions in a
third direction and a fourth direction of the mobile terminal. The
second side surface 1013b of the first side portion 1013 covered by
the second side portion 1023 may be exposed to the outside as shown
in (b) in FIG. 2 and (b) in FIG. 3 in the second state.
[0122] (a) in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a A-A in
FIG. 3, and (b) in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a
line B-B, which are conceptual diagrams showing only the first
frame 101, the second frame 102, and the display unit 151. In the
first state, the display unit 151 positioned on the rear surface of
the mobile terminal 100 may be covered with the rear surface cover
1025 as the second frame 102 is positioned at the second rear
portion 1022. When the state of the mobile terminal 100 is switched
to the second state, an area of the display unit 151 located on the
front surface increases and an area of the display unit 151 located
on the rear surface decreases.
[0123] The second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102 needs
to have a predetermined thickness because the rear surface of the
display unit 151 is located and slides on the second rear portion
1022. When the state of the mobile terminal 100 is switched to the
second state as shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the second rear surface
1012b covered by the second rear portion 1022 is exposed to the
outside, and the exposed second rear surface 1012b is recessed in a
forward direction than the first rear surface 1012a to generate a
height difference corresponding to thickness of the second rear
portion 1022.
[0124] When the height difference between the first rear surface
1012a and the second rear surface 1012b is large, there is a
problem of deteriorating a feeling of use because of a large sense
of heterogeneity during use. In addition, when a rail 231 of a
linear guide 230 for assisting the slide movement of the second
frame 102 is exposed in a rearward direction of the mobile terminal
100 in the second state as shown in (b) in FIG. 3, aesthetics is
impaired and an unevenness of the rail comes into contact with a
hand. To increase usability, it is necessary to reduce the height
difference between the first rear surface 1012a and the second rear
surface 1012b.
[0125] FIG. 7 shows rear views of a first state and a second state
according to an embodiment of a mobile terminal, and FIG. 8 shows
cross-sectional views taken along a line D-D and a line E-E in FIG.
7. In the present embodiment, the rear surface of the first frame
101 is formed in multiple steps in order to reduce the height
difference between the first rear surface 1012a that is always
exposed and the second rear surface 1012b exposed in the second
state. In the present embodiment, the rear surface of the first
frame is composed of three portions with different heights, and the
heights of the three portions gradually decrease to reduce the
height difference between the second rear surface 1012b exposed to
the outside in the second state and the first rear surface
1012a.
[0126] A size of the first rear surface 1012a that is always
exposed to may be small compared to the embodiment described above
to form the rear surface of the first frame 101 in the multiple
steps. In addition, first frame 101 may be formed by distinguishing
between the second rear surface 1012b that is covered by the second
rear portion 1022 in the first state and exposed to the outside in
the second state, and a third rear surface 1012c that is always
located inside the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame
102.
[0127] Sections 1012a, 1012b, and 1012c of the rear surface of the
first frame 101 have the height differences therebetween, the
height difference between the second rear surface 1012b exposed to
the outside in the second state and the first rear surface 1012a is
minimized, and the third rear surface 1012c is formed so as not to
be exposed to the outside, so that the bar shape of the mobile
terminal 100 may be maintained even in the second state as shown in
FIG. 7.
[0128] Because the third rear surface is not exposed to the
outside, a frame for covering the internal parts such as the first
rear surface 1012a or the second rear surface 1012b may be omitted,
and the parts such as the battery may be disposed to directly face
the second frame.
[0129] The second rear portion 1022 may include a covering portion
1022a that is disposed overlapping the second rear surface 1012b
and an accommodating portion 1022b that is disposed overlapping
with the third rear surface 1012c. The covering portion 1022a may
have a thickness corresponding to a height difference between the
first rear surface 1012a and the second rear surface 1012b. The
covering portion 1022a serves to cover the third rear surface 1012c
in the second state without mounting the parts therein. Because the
covering portion 1022a is located on the second rear surface 1012b
in the first state, and is able to be formed thinly, the height
difference between the first rear surface 1012a and the second rear
surface 1012b may be minimized.
[0130] A length of the second rear surface 1012b and a length in
the first direction of the covering portion 1022a may be greater
than a slide movement distance of the second frame 102 such that
the third rear surface 1012c is not exposed in the second state. In
the second state, the covering portion 1022a and the second rear
surface 1012b may be partially overlapped each other and the
covering portion 1022a may be supported so as not to be recessed
inward even when being pressed by the user.
[0131] The accommodating portion 1022b, which is a portion in which
the display unit 151 is located in the first state, may have a
predetermined thickness to accommodate the display unit 151
therein. The third rear surface 1012c may be more recessed in the
forward direction as the accommodating portion 1022b became thicker
than the covering portion 1022a to accommodate the display unit 151
therein.
[0132] A magnitude of a height difference between the accommodating
portion 1022b and the covering portion 1022a may correspond to a
height difference between the second rear surface 1012b and the
third rear surface 1012c. Even in the second state, an end in the
second direction of the accommodating portion 1022b may be
partially positioned on the second rear surface 1012b to support
the second rear portion 1022 of the second frame 102.
[0133] The accommodating portion 1022b may have a space in which
the display unit moves, and may include the rear surface cover that
covers the rear surface of the display unit. The rear surface cover
1025 may be flush with the covering portion 1022a and constitute
the rear surface of the second frame. That is, the rear surface
cover 1025 may be extended to constitute the covering portion
1022a.
[0134] The rear surface cover 1025 may contain a light-transmitting
material such that an image output from the display unit 151
positioned on the rear surface is visible through the rear surface
cover 1025. The light-transmitting material may be coated or a film
may be attached to the light-transmitting material to selectively
transmit light. An interior of the rear surface cover 1025 is
visible only when the display unit is activated, and the interior
is not visible from the outside when the display unit 151 is
deactivated, thereby preventing visual exposure of the internal
parts.
[0135] FIG. 9 is a view showing parts mounted inside a mobile
terminal of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 shows that the rear
portions 1012 and 1022 and the rear surface cover 1025 that cover
the display unit 151 and the rear surface of the mobile terminal.
(a) shows the first state and (b) shows the second state. Most of
the parts may be mounted inside the first frame 101. The main board
181, the battery 191, the camera 121, the motor 201 of the driving
unit 200, and the like may be mounted in the first frame 101.
[0136] The battery 191, which is a part having the greatest weight
inside the mobile terminal 100, is more stable to be located at a
lower portion than at an upper portion in the drawing. In
particular, in a case in which the battery 191 extends in a
downward direction (in the first direction) as shown in (b), when
the battery 191 is positioned at the upper portion, a center of
gravity becomes more biased upwardly.
[0137] Therefore, in the first frame 101, the camera 121 or the
main board 181 may be located at an upper portion, and the battery
191 may be disposed below the main board 181. Because the battery
191 and the main board 181 are both located in the first frame 101,
there is no change in a location of the battery 191 and the main
board 181 when the battery 191 and the main board 181 are connected
to each other. However, in order to connect an antenna using the
second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102, the user input
unit 123, or the like to the main board 181, a shape of a flexible
board or a cable 185b may be changed.
[0138] A coil antenna 114 that performs short-range wireless
communication, such as a payment antenna or an NFC antenna, may be
disposed on a rear surface of the battery 191. The coil antenna 114
is preferably disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the mobile
terminal 100. When the coil antenna 114 is located on the rear
surface of the battery 191, because the coil antenna 114 is located
in the first frame 101, there is no change in a connection between
the coil antenna 114 and the main board 181.
[0139] When the coil antenna 114 is disposed in the second rear
portion 1022 of the second frame 102, together with the connection
for connecting the user input unit 123 or the antenna using the
second side portion of the second frame described above, the cable
185b or the flexible board 185a that is spread at the time of the
extension may be used.
[0140] An interior of the second frame 102 in the extended second
state is empty. Although a rolling hinge 104 supports the extended
rear surface of the display unit 151, because the rolling hinge 104
is driven in a state caught on a slide rail of the second frame at
ends in the third and fourth directions of the display unit 151,
there is a problem in that a force for supporting a central portion
of the display unit 151 is weak.
[0141] When the second frame 102 includes the second front portion
located on the rear surface of the first front portion of the first
frame 101 in the first state and located on the rear surface of the
rolling hinge 104 in the second state, although the second front
portion is positioned on a rear surface of the rolling hinge 104 to
support the display unit 151, a thickness of the second front
portion is too small to support the display unit 151.
[0142] A support link 220 may be further included to support the
display unit 151 located on the rear surface of the first frame 101
in the extended state. The support link may include a first link
coupled to the first frame 101 and a second link coupled to the
second frame, and an angle between the first link and the second
link may be varied through hinge coupling. The support link 220 is
folded in the first state and unfolded in the second state to
support a middle portion of the rolling hinge 104. When the second
frame includes the second front portion, the support link 220 may
be located on a rear surface of the second front portion.
[0143] When the support link 220 is unfolded into a straight line
shape in the second state, it is difficult to switch the state of
the support link 220 back to the folded state. Thus, as shown in
(b) in FIG. 9, even in the extended state of the mobile terminal
100, the support link 220 is unfolded at an angle within 180
degrees.
[0144] The connection 185b that connects the parts mounted in the
second frame 102 to the main board 181 of the first frame 101
described above may be formed to be movable with the support link
220 as shown in FIG. 9 so as not to be caught in other parts when a
shape thereof changes.
[0145] The driving unit 200 includes a driving motor 101 that moves
the second frame 102 in the first direction, and is located in the
first frame 101, a pinion gear (not shown) that rotates by
receiving a rotational force of the driving motor 101, and a rack
gear 205 that engages with the pinion gear and moves linearly. In
the drawing, the pinion gear is covered by the rack gear 205. The
rack gear 205 extends in the first direction and engages with the
second frame 102. When the driving motor 201 operates, the rack
gear 205 moves the second frame 102 while moving in the first
direction or the second direction.
[0146] The driving motor 201 may be disposed adjacent to an end in
the first direction of the first frame 101 so as to move the second
frame as far as possible. In consideration of arrangement of the
battery 191 and other parts, the rack gear 205 may be disposed to
be biased in the third direction. In order to prevent distortion
caused by such asymmetric driving unit 200 from occurring, a
component for assisting the slide movement in the first direction
or the second direction of the second frame 102 is required.
[0147] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along a C-C in FIG.
2. In order to prevent tilting of the second frame 102 during the
slide movement, the linear guide 230 that guides the slide movement
in the first direction or the second direction may be further
included. The linear guide 230 may include a first guide 231
extending in the first direction and a second guide 232 fastened to
the first guide 231 and moving along the first guide 231. The first
guide 231 and the second guide 232 may be coupled to the first
frame 101 and the second frame 102, respectively.
[0148] When disposing the linear guide 230 to be directed in a
front and rear direction of the mobile terminal 100 as shown in
FIG. 10, because the linear guide 230 occupies a large volume, a
portion in which the linear guide 230 is formed must be recessed,
or the first guide 231 may be exposed to the outside as shown in
(b) in FIG. 3.
[0149] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing locations of the
first side surface 1013a to a third side surface, the side portion,
and the linear guide 230 of the mobile terminal. When the first
guide 231 and the second guide 232 are disposed side by side in the
third direction, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the
mobile terminal from increasing. However, because a space is
required in the lateral direction, the side portion may also have a
three-step structure like the rear surface structure described
above.
[0150] The first side surface 1013a that is always exposed to the
outside, the second side surface 1013b that is at least partially
exposed to the outside only in the second state, and a third side
surface 1013c that is always located inside without being exposed
to the outside may be included, and height differences may exist
between the first to third side surfaces 1013a to 1013c.
[0151] A length of the second side surface 1013b may be greater
than the slide movement distance in the first direction of the
second frame 102, and the linear guide 230 may be positioned on the
third side surface 1013c. The second side surface 1013b may be
placed side by side with the second rear surface 1012b, and the
third side surface 1013c may be disposed side by side with or
slightly displaced from the third rear surface 1012c.
[0152] The second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 covers
the second side surface 1013b and the third side surface 1013c in
the first state, and the third side surface 1013c is recessed
inwardly of the second side surface 1013b. thus, the linear guide
230 is disposed using a space between the third side surface 1013c
and the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102.
[0153] In the drawing, the first guide 231 of the linear guide 230
is shown as being coupled to the second frame 102, but the first
guide 231 and the second guide 232 may be arranged in reverse.
However, when it is located in the second side portion 1023 of the
second frame 102, it is possible to secure a space for mounting the
antenna, the user input unit, and the like in the second side
portion 1023.
[0154] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F-F in
FIG. 7. The first guide 231 and the second guide 232 will be
described in more detail with reference to FIG.
[0155] 12.
[0156] In order not to increase a bezel in the third direction of
the display unit 151 located on the front surface even when the
third side surface 1013c is recessed inwardly of the second side
surface 1013b, the linear guide 230 may be positioned facing
rearward in a thickness direction of the mobile terminal.
[0157] The first guide 231 may include a plate-shaped member
protruding inward from the second side portion 1023 of the second
frame 102, and the second guide 232 may have a shape surrounding an
end of the first guide 231. Because the second guide 232 of the
form as shown in FIG. 9 increases in the volume, the second guide
232 may be formed in a U-shape surrounding the end of the first
guide 231 to minimize the volume as shown in FIG. 12.
[0158] The second guide may be formed in a form of defining a
groove in the side portion of the first frame rather than being
added to the first frame in a block form, so that the second guide
may be extended long in the first direction like the first
guide.
[0159] The first guide 231 may contain a metal material for
rigidity, and the second guide 232 may contain a POM material to
minimize friction with the first guide 231.
[0160] The first guide 231 may be fastened through a screw 233 to
the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102, and may
further include an alignment hole 231f for aligning a fastening
position on the second frame 102 of the first guide 231 as shown in
FIG. 13.
[0161] In order to implement an antenna using the first side
portion 1013 or the second side portion 1023 exposed to the
outside, a feeding unit that feeds the antenna should be connected.
Because the first side portion 1013 is a portion of the first frame
101 in which the parts are mounted, it is easy to connect the
feeding unit. However, because the first side portion 1013 is
covered by the second side portion 1023, it is preferable to use
the second side portion 1023 as the antenna. An antenna substrate
183 for connecting the second side portion 1023 to the wireless
communication unit of the first frame 101 may be disposed.
[0162] The antenna substrate 183 may be disposed to overlap the
first guide 231 as shown in FIG. 12. However, in the case in which
the first guide 231 is made of the metal material, when the antenna
substrate 183 is too close to a portion made of the metal used as
the antenna of the second side portion 1023, there is a problem in
that a performance of the antenna is deteriorated. Therefore, as
shown in FIG. 12, the antenna substrate 183 may be disposed to
protrude a predetermined distance e outwardly of the first guide
231.
[0163] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the antenna
substrate 183 and the first guide 231 according to an embodiment of
a mobile terminal, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in
which a side portion is separated according to an embodiment of a
mobile terminal.
[0164] The antenna substrate 183 may be fastened through the screw
233 to the first guide 231, and the first guide 231 and the antenna
substrate 183 may have screw holes 231s and 183s through which the
screw 233 passes, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a
connection pin 183c in contact with a metal portion of the second
side portion 1023 of the second frame 102 may be formed at an outer
end of the antenna substrate 183.
[0165] The linear guide 230 may have a guide roller 235 coupled to
the first guide 231 as shown in FIG. 14 to prevent the second frame
102 from being tilted. In addition, because the guide roller 235
comes into contact with the third side surface 1023c while
rotating, it is possible to reduce a frictional force generated
when the second frame 102 slides.
[0166] FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams showing the user input unit 123
according to an embodiment of a mobile terminal. As the size of the
display unit 151 on the front surface of the mobile terminal 100
increases, the space for adding the user input unit 123 other than
a touchpad to the front surface becomes insufficient. Instead, a
button may be implemented in the lateral direction of the mobile
terminal 100.
[0167] An input through the touchpad of the display unit 151 is
difficult for a key, such as a volume key, used in a state of not
looking at the display unit 151, or a key, such as a power button,
for activating the mobile terminal in a state that the display unit
151 is turned off. Thus, it is preferable for such key to receive
an input through the physical user input unit 123.
[0168] It is inconvenient in terms of usability when the user input
unit is located at a too high vertical level as shown in FIG. 7, so
that it is preferable to dispose the user input unit at the
location where the first side portion 1013 and the second side
portion 1023 overlap each other. That is, the user input unit may
be located in the second side portion 1023 or the user input unit
may be located on the second side surface 1013b of the first side
portion.
[0169] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment regarding the user input unit
123 located in the second side portion 1023, and FIG. 16 shows an
embodiment regarding the user input unit 123 located on the second
side surface 1013b.
[0170] The user input unit 123 in FIG. 15, which is the user input
unit 123 implemented in the side portion of the second frame 102,
may be seated by defining a groove 1023g in the side portion of the
second frame 102. A switch board 1233 having a dome switch 1232 may
be seated in the groove 1023g of the side portion, a top button
1231 may be overlapped with the dome switch 1232, and a button
cover 1234 having a hole defined therein corresponding to the top
button 1231 may be inserted into the side portion to fix the top
button 1231.
[0171] When a thickness of the second side portion 1023 is
increased, there is a problem in that a height difference between
the first side surface 1013a and the second side surface 1013b
increases. Thus, the button cover 1234 may be fixed at a location
outward of the side portion to minimize the increase in the overall
thickness of the second side portion 1023 of the second frame 102.
When the second frame 102 moves in the first direction, a location
of the user input unit 123 of such type also changes in the first
direction.
[0172] The user input unit 123 in FIG. 16 is positioned on the
second side surface 1013b of the first side portion 1013 of the
first frame 101. Because the second side surface 1013b is covered
by the second side portion 1023 of the second frame, it is
difficult to apply the user input unit 123 using the dome switch as
in the embodiment in FIG. 15.
[0173] Instead, a user input unit may be implemented using a force
sensor 1235. The force sensor 1235 is also referred to as a force
touch and operates by recognizing a pressing force. As a sensor
that generates an electrical signal in response to a minute
mechanical change, the force sensor 1235 may sense changes in a
range from several um to tens of um on an attached surface.
[0174] The force sensor 1235 does not need to be directly exposed
to the outside, so that, even when the force sensor 1235 is located
inward of the first side portion 1013, the force sensor 1235 may
sense a pressure applied to an outer surface of the second side
portion 1023. Deformation with a magnitude equal to or greater than
a predetermined magnitude may be sensed as a user input and
distinguished from a touch input occurring at a time of simple
gripping.
[0175] Because the second side portion moves during the extension
in the second state to expose the second side surface 1023b of the
first side portion, a distance from a top of the user input unit
may be kept the same as in the first state.
[0176] As described above, the mobile terminal of the present
disclosure may adjust the size of the screen as needed, so that
both portability and usability may be achieved.
[0177] In addition, the mobile terminal of the present disclosure
may increase usability in the extended state by minimizing the
height difference at the outer surface of the mobile terminal that
occurs when the mobile terminal is extended.
[0178] In addition, the distortion may be prevented during the
slide movement, so that the stable slide movement may be achieved
and the volume increase by the linear guide may be minimized.
[0179] The above detailed description is to be construed in all
aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
present disclosure should be determined by reasonable
interpretation of the appended claims and all changes coming within
the equivalency range of the present disclosure are intended to be
embraced in the scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *